A Televisual Feast

Jimmy’s shooting a commercial, Bobby’s trying to save his priest from a manslaughter charge (for performing an exorcism) and Eugene… Eugene’s got a whole different thing going on. The episode does feature Barry Miller as Eugene’s soft-spoken nemesis, which is a welcome return, as well Paul McCrane as Eugene’s client and McCrane’s funny enough. But the whole episode, except the quiet ending, is utterly sensational. It’s David E. Kelley doing soapbox without any real politics, without any real story….

There are hints of a story in Bobby’s long relationship with the priest (played by a wasted Robert Prosky) and there are even more hints with his friendship with a cop. But it’s all fluff covering Kelley’s big wowee story. Like most big wowee stories, perfect for commercial teasers, it’s a utter failure.

Lindsay, for example, doesn’t have any scenes. Jimmy’s whole commercial bit is a waste. I can’t remember the last time Rebecca was more functional than a desk lamp. Ellenor at least gets to blackmail a psychiatrist. Sadly, Bobby’s in a more central role, but he’s not doing anyway.

This episode is yet another first season burner and, seeing that, it’s clear things aren’t going to be looking up for a while (three more burners, maybe two)….

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